In a highly emotional press conference, Congress leader B Nagendra resigned from DK Shivakumar's Karnataka Cabinet following persistent corruption allegations involving ₹89 crore.

  • B Nagendra resigned due to alleged ₹89 crore irregularities in the ST Development Corporation.
  • The controversy stems from a suicide note left by a corporation accounts officer in May 2024.
  • Nagendra accused the BJP of having an 'anti-tribal' and 'anti-Dalit' mindset.
  • CM DK Shivakumar defended Nagendra, calling him innocent.

In a moment of profound political turmoil, Congress leader B Nagendra broke down in tears during a press conference on Friday evening, announcing his resignation from DK Shivakumar's Karnataka Cabinet. This marks the second time Nagendra has stepped down due to the same corruption scandal that has plagued his recent tenure. The resignation comes amid intense pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has been relentless in highlighting financial discrepancies within the state government.

The core of the controversy revolves around alleged irregularities amounting to ₹89 crore in the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation. The issue gained significant traction following the suicide of the corporation's accounts officer, Chandrasekharan P, in May 2024. In a suicide note, he alleged the unauthorized transfer of funds, which led to investigations revealing large sums being moved from the corporation’s accounts to various other entities.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that Nagendra's resignation is not just a ministerial shuffle but a significant blow to the Congress party's social engineering strategy in Karnataka. As a prominent ST leader, his ability to navigate these corruption allegations is crucial for the party's standing among tribal and Dalit communities, especially as the BJP attempts to frame the narrative as a systemic failure of the Congress administration.

Nagendra's emotional exit underscores the volatile intersection of corruption allegations and identity politics in contemporary Karnataka.

During his resignation announcement, Nagendra launched a scathing attack on the opposition. He alleged that the BJP's attacks were motivated by caste prejudice, stating, "I am being attacked because I am Dalit." He further accused the BJP of having an "anti-tribal mindset" and attempting to "impose the Manusmriti," claiming the opposition refused to discuss the allegations in the Assembly to seek clarity.

Nagendra had previously resigned in June 2024 over the same issue but was re-inducted in August after DK Shivakumar took over as Chief Minister. At that time, he was assigned the Planning and Statistics portfolio. His re-induction was already a point of contention for the opposition.

The political fallout is expected to escalate as the BJP prepares for a massive 10-day protest march. Scheduled from September 1 to September 10, the 200-km padayatra will run from Raichur to Ballari. Led by figures including Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, the march aims to highlight corruption, unemployment, and farmer distress under the current Congress regime.

Did You Know?: Before joining the Congress in 2018, B Nagendra had a political career spanning both the BJP and independent candidacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the specific nature of the corruption allegation?
Answer: The allegations involve the unauthorized transfer of ₹89 crore from the Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation accounts.

Question 2: How has the Chief Minister responded?
Answer: CM DK Shivakumar has stood by Nagendra, asserting his innocence and criticizing the BJP for criminalizing him.